Energy and the Transformation of International Relations: Toward a New Producer-Consumer Framework

With energy security at the top of the global agenda, this book examines the development of a new producer-consumer framework. As the era of cheap energy comes to an end, Asia's demand for energy increases, and concerns over climate change increase, it is clear that the old framework is no longer sustainable in this new era. This book examines the evolving relations between the key producers (Middle East, Russia, Latin America, and Africa) and traditional consumers such as the US and Europe, and new consumers such as China and India as they adjust to the changing marketplace and political realities. At the centre of the book is the key question of how dynamics in the global energy market affect the nature of international relations. It is argued that while conflict over resources is possible, there are many opportunities for international cooperation over energy resources. Although coal, oil, and gas will define energy usage for the foreseeable future, greater efficiency and alternative sources of energy will play an important role in shaping the new producer-consumer framework. Contributors to this volume - Monica Enfield, PFC Energy, Markets & Country Strategies Group Bassam Fattouh, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London and the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies Mikkal Herberg, National Bureau of Asian Research Tanvi Madan, LBJ School of Public Affairs, University of Texas, Austin Robert Orttung, Jefferson Institute and the Center for Security Studies at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Jeronim Perovic, Center for Security Studies at ETH Zurich and University of Basel John Roberts, Energy Security Specialist, Platts Roger Tissot, Independent Consultant Michael Evan Webber, Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy, University of Texas, Austin Andreas Wenger, Center for Security Studies at ETH Zurich